Go Speed Racer Go!
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It seems pretty generally accepted that the three “Matrix” films got progressively worse. The first one was excellent, the second was OK, and the third was pretty disappointing.
How does that relate to anything going on now?
Well, the Wachowski Brothers — who directed all the “Matrix” movies — are back with their first movie since 2003’s “The Matrix Revolutions.”
What is it — another mind-bending sci-fi adventure flick?
Sort of, I guess. But not really.
It’s “Speed Racer,” a live-action version of the popular Japanese anime show. And it’s very family-friendly, with a PG rating.
So it might not appeal to big “Matrix” fans, but at least it figures to include some pretty cool visuals.
“Speed Racer,” which opens at Carmike 8 Plaza on Friday, is one of two movies opening in the area this weekend. The other is the romantic comedy “What Happens In Vegas …,” starring Ashton Kutcher and Cameron Diaz.
Emile Hirsch (“Into the Wild,” “Alpha Dog”) plays the lead character, whose name actually is Speed Racer.
Susan Sarandon plays his mother, Mom Racer. And John Goodman is the father, whose name is -- can you guess it? … -- Pops Racer. (If you went with Dad Racer, don’t worry, that was my first guess, too).
Christina Ricci stars as Trixie, Speed’s hip girlfriend.
There’s one more relatively big name in the cast, as Racer X, but a movie critic friend of mine who saw the screening made it sound like it was sort of a surprise who that is, so I’ll leave it a mystery.
I’m not a big anime fan, but I know it has a pretty enormous following, both in Japan and a ton of other countries, including the United States. And “Speed Racer” is one of the most popular anime shows, so perhaps it’s a good choice to make into a live-action summer blockbuster.
The story focuses on Speed trying to fill the shoes of his older brother, the legendary Rex Racer, who dies in a race.
During his quest to become a star, Speed learns that some of the biggest races are being fixed by a handful of ruthless businessmen who stand to profit by the outcomes.
To save the family business (Pops makes cars) and take down the bad guys, Speed has to team up with his one-time rival, Racer X, to win The Crucible, which is the race that took his brother’s life.
The plot sounds a little generic, but as mentioned previously, the visuals figure to be impressive, which is evident in the trailer.
My friend said the movie is decent but drags at times and goes on way too long (with a running time of 129 minutes) for a fun family movie.
